Zimbabweans must do more to end tyranny

By unknown -
27 November 2007 - 02:00

Zimbabweans living in South Africa appreciate the efforts initiated by SADC, facilitated by President Thabo Mbeki. The talks have made significant progress, but there are still issues that hamper development.

Zimbabweans living in South Africa appreciate the efforts initiated by SADC, facilitated by President Thabo Mbeki. The talks have made significant progress, but there are still issues that hamper development.

The Zimbabwean government continues to harass and intimidate people. For reforms to happen, violence must stop.

If elections take place next year, there is little chance of them being free and fair. The Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Bill is a perfect example. Among other things, it wants foreign mining firms to surrender 25 percent of shares to the government. Impala Platinum and Anglo Platinum will lose badly after investing millions. It will further scare away foreign investors and result in massive retrenchments.

The opposition is so divided that one wonders what Zimbabwe would become if it came to power. This gives the government an advantage and it will continue to cling to power, looting the country's resources.

In the diaspora, these divisions have minimised the chances of international mobilisation. Democratic forces in Zimbabwe and the diaspora must become more organised. Our problems will only be solved if we take action. A new Zimbabwe is possible and Africa and the world will help, but Zimbabweans take the initiative.